A four-legged robot “dog” helps experts understand how humans working in hazardous environments such as oil rigs and refineries can be taken care of.
The £ 60,000 robot is equipped with ‘telexistance’ technology by scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
This can allow humans to experience an environment without actually being there – using devices like microphones and cameras to relay sound and video.
Considered the first of its kind in Scotland, the robot is part of the “Spot” range created by Boston Dynamics and has also made headlines by dancing on YouTube.
Scientists plan to use the equipment to research how robots can help humans in hazardous environments such as energy inspection at sea and disaster recovery.
Schoolchildren with the four-legged robot helping scientists with their research in Scotland
Professor Yvan Petillot, Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Heriot-Watt University and Academic Co-Director of the National Robotarium, said: “Equipping this robot with our telexistence technology means that we can perform a series of experiments. .
“We can test how the robot can help and support people working in hazardous environments, including oil and gas platforms and oil refineries.
“During search and rescue operations or following accidents, Spot robots equipped with our sensors could monitor a victim’s vital signs and transmit images and sounds to a hospital, allowing doctors to give counseling on treatment or deciding when it is safe to move a patient. “
He added, “Robots of this design can climb rubble, go up and down stairs, and deal with hazards like dust and rain.
“These features will prove to be very useful as we develop more ways to ensure that bots can help keep people safe and save businesses money.”
Dr. Sen Wang, Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University and Head of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at the National …
More information about this article Read More
Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-01 22:07:00
